Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | Lieutenant Colonel Michel Russel (left), 47th Forward Support Battalion commander,...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The 203rd Brigade Support Battalion transferred authority in the Mada'in Qada area of operations over to the 47th Forward Support Battalion during a ceremony held here May 15.
The ceremony began with the playing of both the United States and Iraqi national anthems. Following the anthems, Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, addressed the crowd, which included 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Soldiers, 3rd BCT Soldiers and local Iraqi leaders.
Grigsby, a native of Prince George's County, Md., thanked the Iraqi leaders for their friendship and cooperation with the 203rd BSB. He said because of its hard work, the 203rd BSB was able to accomplish its mission while in Iraq.
"During our time here, we have made many friends and allies," Grigsby said. "I truly believe that it is because of these allies and friendships, we have accomplished so much."
Grigsby concluded his speech and turned over the microphone to Lt. Col. Kelly J. Lawler, 203rd BSB commander. Lawler, from Monticello, N.Y., thanked the crowd for coming out and supporting his Soldiers. He said that FOB Hammer had been built by determination and insisted that more is still to come.
"Our current phase of work is done, but progress will continue," Lawler said. "The incoming team of Modern Pioneers (47th FSB) will continue to support their BCT and (the) rebuilding effort in your area of operations."
Lawler concluded his speech by saying, "Everyday better," a constant reminder of progress found on signs scattered across FOB Hammer.
Lieutenant Colonel Michel Russel, 47th FSB commander, made the transfer of authority official by uncasing his unit's colors.
Russel, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., addressed the crowd of Iraqi leaders. He assured them he and his Soldiers are looking forward to extend the relationship already forged with the 203rd BSB.
"The learning period is over and now it is time to get down to the mission," Russel said. "We will keep the cooperative effort going and sustain Lieutenant Colonel Lawler's efforts."
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the 3rd Infantry Division Song, the 1st Armored Division song and the Army Song.
Following the ceremony, Iraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil, commander of the Iraqi army's Besmaya training complex, presented Lawler with a glass statue of an eagle clutching a ball. The eagle represented their partnership, flying high above expectations, and the ball represented their goals and mission, which they had grasped and completed.
"Me and my people are both happy and sad today," Abbas said. "We are sad that our friends are leaving, but happy because of the amazing job they have done."
Abbas then presented Russel with a similar statue, with an eagle reaching for the ball, symbolizing their coming work over the next 15 months.
"Together we are one Army, one team, and have one goal. Our partnership is priceless," Abbas said. "The Modern Pioneers will push us one step closer to our goal of freedom. You can't put a price on freedom. We will be successful."
Russel accepted the gift and promised to do his best to live up to their expectations.
"We want to sustain the Striker mission," Russel said. "In addition, we will partner with Col. Abbas to continue to pursue their goals in their country."
The 47th FSB falls under the command of the 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., from Baumholder, Germany. They are replacing the 3rd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., in the Mada'in Qada in southeastern Baghdad Province.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2008 09:53 |
| Story ID: | 19516 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 865 |
| Downloads: | 118 |
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